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OSU Women's Soccer Rolls Over Oregon, 4-1

CORVALLIS, OR - Oregon State University's women's soccer team beat the Oregon Ducks for the first time since both teams joined the Pac-10 conference in 1996. Sophomore midfielder Lindsey Beem scored a hat trick to lead the Beavers to a 4-1 victory. OSU head coach Steve Fennah praised his team's effort.

'It was a tremendous team performance, and Lindsey Beem was the icing on the cake.'

The game began with the two teams exchanging goals. Beem opened the scoring 11:19 into the game with a direct kick high to the upper right corner. The goal was unassisted. The Ducks tied the game at the 23:49 mark when Beth Bowler scored another unassisted goal that beat Beaver keeper Jo Fletcher to the upper right corner.

The score remained tied until just before the half, when OSU freshman Jillian Nicks directed Katie Henderson's pass into the net at the 44:57 mark. The shot beat Oregon goalkeeprer Sarah Peters low to the right and put the Beavers ahead for good. Oregon State head coach Steve Fennah described the goal as a turning point in what had been a fairly close game.

'When you get a goal right before halftime, I think that's the best time for you to score, and the hardest time for your opponent.'

Beem scored her second goal of the game at 51:47, when she headed in a shot to the far post from Emily Hughes. The hat trick was completed at 83:29 when Oregon's keeper made a save but neglected to control the loose ball.

Fletcher was replaced with freshman Gabby Nejedlo at the 56:27 mark, after Fletcher appeared to sustain a slight injury. Oregon responded with increased pressure, but Nejedlo made five more saves to hold the Ducks scoreless in the second half.

'We have no problem switching goalies,' said OSU head coach Steve Fennah. 'Gabby's one of the Canadian National Team goaltenders. She comes off the line very well.'

The victory was Oregon State's tenth of the season and third in a row.

'I'd like to think if we won both (of the next two games) we would be one (of the teams selected),' said Fennah when asked about the possibility of the Beavers playing in the NCAA tournament.

The Beavers improved to 10-7-1 overall (2-5-0 Pac-10) with the win, while the Ducks fell to 7-8-1 (1-6-0 Pac-10). OSU also improved its record against Oregon to 6-4-1 all-time, dating back to 1995. Oregon had won four of the previous five meetings.

The Beavers travel to Pullman to play Washington State on Friday. Game-time is scheduled for 2 PM.